Why Trauma-Informed Care Should Be the Standard, Not the Exception

At Forever Family Therapy, we often say: trauma doesn’t discriminate, and neither should our approach to care. Trauma-informed care (TIC) isn’t just a trend or buzzword—it’s a foundational shift in how we view and support people who have lived through difficult experiences. When trauma is overlooked or misunderstood, even the most well-meaning therapeutic efforts can fall short or, worse, re-trigger the very wounds they aim to heal.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), as highlighted in the NCBI's Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services, trauma-informed care is a framework that acknowledges the widespread impact of trauma, recognizes the signs and symptoms in clients, and responds by fully integrating this awareness into clinical practice. The report emphasizes that trauma is not limited to major life-threatening events, it can stem from chronic stress, emotional neglect, systemic oppression, and relational harm, all of which can significantly affect mental and physical health.

Implementing a trauma-informed approach means we prioritize emotional safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. It means asking “What happened to you?” instead of “What’s wrong with you?” And, truly listening to the answer. It also means examining our own systems and behaviors as providers to ensure we are not unintentionally perpetuating harm or reinforcing power imbalances.

Why should this be the standard? Because trauma is far more common than we think. Whether someone has a formal diagnosis or not, the effects of trauma ripple through their relationships, parenting, physical health, and capacity for self-regulation. A trauma-informed len, especially when it comes to parenting, helps us see beyond the behavior to the story behind it, and to offer care that honors that story with compassion and respect.

At Forever Family Therapy, we’re committed to making trauma-informed care the rule, not the exception! It’s embedded in how we speak, how we listen, how we hold space, and how we help families rebuild connection and resilience. Every person deserves to feel seen, safe, and supported in their healing journey.

For a deeper dive into the principles, research, and clinical implications of trauma-informed care, we recommend the full NCBI publication: Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services.

Trauma-Informed Care: A Sociocultural Perspective - Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services - NCBI Bookshelf

June, Pride, and the Power of Being Seen: Reflections from a Human & Therapist

As a child and family therapist, June has always held deep meaning for me—not just because

summer begins and the days stretch longer, but because it is Pride Month, a time that invites us

to celebrate identity, inclusion, and the power of being seen.

For many of the LGBTQ+ youth and families I’ve worked with, June isn’t just about rainbow flags

or parades. It’s about hope. It’s about visibility. And most of all, it’s about healing.

The Weight of Silence

In the therapy room, I have sat across from kids as young as eight who were already carrying

the crushing weight of “otherness.” Some didn’t yet have the language to describe how they felt;

they just knew they were different, and that difference was often met with silence—or worse,

shame.

I’ve also listened to parents struggle, not with loving their child (they do, deeply), but with

reconciling what they thought they knew about gender, identity, or family roles. The silence

between them—thick with confusion, fear, and unspoken questions—can be heartbreaking.

That’s why Pride matters. It gives families a chance to break the silence.

Mental Health and Belonging

Being LGBTQ+ is not a mental health issue. But being rejected, invalidated, or forced to hide

core parts of who you are? That absolutely impacts mental health.

Studies consistently show that LGBTQ+ youth face higher risks for anxiety, depression, and

suicidal thoughts—not because of who they are, but because of how the world responds to

them. Conversely, just one accepting adult in a young person’s life can dramatically reduce

these risks.

I’ve seen firsthand how healing begins when a parent says, “I see you. I believe you. I love you.”

It doesn’t require perfection—just presence.

When Families Choose Curiosity Over Control

I’ve worked with families at every stage of this journey. Some come in already affirming and just

want guidance on how to best support their child. Others are confused or grieving the loss of the

future they imagined. That grief is real and valid—but so is the opportunity to grow into

something even deeper: authentic connection.

When parents shift from trying to fix to trying to understand, relationships transform. When

siblings become allies, when extended family members ask questions instead of making

assumptions, when a teenager feels safe showing up as themselves—it changes everything.

Celebrating Pride as a Family

Celebrating Pride doesn’t require a perfect understanding of every flag or acronym. It starts with

showing up. It starts with saying, “You matter to us.” Whether it’s attending a local Pride event,

reading LGBTQ+ affirming books as a family, or simply having open conversations, these small

acts ripple outward.

Pride is not just a celebration of LGBTQ+ individuals—it’s a celebration of the power of love,

authenticity, and chosen family. And for many of the kids I work with, it’s a reminder that the

world can be a safe place for them to belong.

Final Thoughts

This June, I invite all families—whether you have an LGBTQ+ member or not—to reflect on how

you create space for openness, safety, and love. Ask yourself:

● Do the people in my family feel free to be themselves?

● Do we talk about identity and belonging in our home?

● Are we willing to learn, even if we’re uncomfortable?

Because at its heart, Pride is about being seen and loved, just as you are. And in the therapy

room—and in our homes—that’s where healing begins.

Warmly,

A Child & Family Therapist Who Believes in the Power of Being Seen 󰝲💛